Taylor & Sam

Sam and Taylor’s story began in Golden, Colorado, at New Terrain Brewery, carefully chosen by Taylor, though unbeknownst to her, it sat just down the path from Sam’s home and would become a regular hang out for the two. That first date set the tone for everything that followed: easy conversation, lots of laughter, and a shared love for dogs, skiing, the outdoors, and mountain biking. It felt comfortable in the best way, like something that had been waiting to happen. Their second date raised the bar (and the stakes). A mountain bike ride at Lair O’ the Bear took a dramatic turn on the chunky Rutabaga trail when Taylor went over the handlebars. Bloodied but unshaken, she popped right back up, finished the ride like a champ, and still agreed to grab drinks and apps afterward. That was the moment Sam knew thatthis was someone special. That same month, Sam brought Taylor to Friendsgiving and casually (on purpose) left her alone with his friends to see how she’d do. Not only did she pass—she thrived. To this day, she may be closer with some of them than Sam is. Just two months into dating, Taylor invited Sam on a New Year’s backcountry ski trip to a 10th Mountain Division hut—seven miles into the mountains—with her closest friends. There was skiing, games, laughter, and the start of many lifelong friendships. It was clear they could be in tight and off-grid situations well together. Their first solo trip came shortly after: a birthday weekend in Aspen, where Taylor coincidentally had Boston College friends in town. She took Sam to Pine Creek Cookhouse, a place she’d visited many times with her family, but never on a date like this. Neither of them knew it then, but this spot would one day become part of their forever story. Less than a year into dating, they took their first major international trip to Italy. Sam even agreed to return to the Vatican and Sistine Chapel for Taylor - despite swearing after a previous visit that he would never do that again. From Rome to Florence to the heart of Tuscany’s wine country, they ate, drank, explored, and proved once again that they were a perfect travel team. Sam’s love for SCUBA diving soon became Taylor’s too. She might not admit it but the reason she got certified with her friends Jordan and Alex was for him. The couple headed to the Cayman Islands for Taylor’s first open-water dives which turned into another shared adventure added to the list. Before long, Taylor moved into Sam’s small townhouse in Golden. Not only did they get along but they thrived. Life felt easy, full, and fun. A huge part of that life includes their dogs, Dude and Gus. People often ask if they get along, and the answer always makes them laugh. They’re best friends and thrilled to be brothers. They play tug-of-war, compete fiercely in fetch, and love long midday walks with Sam. Dude has even taught Gus the fine art of cuddling, both with humans and each other. Before getting engaged, Sam and Taylor took one of their biggest leaps yet: moving from Golden to Carbondale. Taylor had family and friends there; Sam had been only twice and didn’t know a soul. But it felt right and it was. Together, they are making it home. The proposal was a complete surprise to Taylor. Okay, she may have known it was eventually coming but didn't see it happening December 20, 2025. On a nordic ski up to Pine Creek Cookhouse, with the Elk Mountains towering in the background and light snow falling around them, Sam dropped to one knee and told Taylor something she definitely already knew - that she was his best friend and he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. What Taylor didn’t know was that some of the most important people in her life were about to surprise her—her parents in from New York, her sister from Vermont, her brothers, and close friends were all there to celebrate in true Taylor fashion. When Sam asked, “Will you marry me?” her answer was simple and perfect: “Duh.” And that’s how this adventure continues.